Computer reboots randomly (1-3seconds) after initial boot

[Bfett2002]

Hi all,

I have the following setup on my new computer:
A7NX8X delux
Barton 2500
512M 3200 DDR
GeForce 256 DDR (from my old system..yes, I need to upgrade)
40G 7200 Maxtor Ultra (from my old system)
Allied 500w PSU

When booting up, the system seems very unstable. It comes up to the bios screen and then reboots. Sometimes, the system comes back quickly (and reboots again), while other times, the system will sit there a few secs and try to boot again (and then reboot again).

When the machine is active long enough, I am able to go into the bios and check the CPU temp (not overheating).

I have tested the RAM in my other machine with no odvious stability issues.

At this point, I am wondering if there is a hardware incompatability between the old Geforce 256 and the motherboard. I have also read that the PSU may be the issue as well.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[Siliconjunkie]

What OS?

[Bill in SD, CA]

Welcome to TechIMO!!

A few things come to mind.

You wouldn't happen to have another video card laying around would you? Even PCI? Just to eliminate the video card question.

The HDD from the other system - is it empty or does it still have the old MB drivers on it?

Have you changed anything in the BIOS?

What are your AGP settings in the BIOS?

Bill

[Bfett2002]

Ok, I know this is going to sound crazy, but it solved my problem...

I tried it with another video card and I realized another odd behavior. The system was more stable (and I was able to get all the way to windows actually); however, at random internvals, it would still reboot.

After rebooting, I tried using the CD-Rom drive (just open it) and poof...computer rebooted. I tired again after the reboot and poof, the computer rebooted again...

Now, here is what is even more odd...I lay the computer on it's side and it works just fine (no random reboots). It works just fine (even the CD-Rom).

I am now thinking that maybe the CD-Rom (I've had it at least 8 years now) is somehow causing the issue. Any opinions?

[Bill in SD, CA]

Sounds to me that you may have a loose connection somewhere.

Laying it on it's side brings gravity into the equation.

Bill

[Jeordiewhite]

What memory are you using?
With experience of this motherboard, generic ram had caused many issues for me. I was using winbond and had got issues like this when running the memory at 200mhz.
Try running the FSB at 166mhz, then setting the memory frequency to 133mhz by reducing it.
If this helps you boot into windows then it's likely this is a ram issue as many brands are incompatible with the board. While the ram maybe good, the board just wont accept it and you will get very unstable operation using it at 200mhz.